Do most people whom you meet ask about your kilt?

[bubba]

Richard, I never really totalled it up. I work on it some in between other things. As a SWAG, I'd say your times are pretty close although I really don't push it.

[Mychael Sporrano]

I am glad that I started this thread. Thank you all for your varied comments!

Richard, I really like that blue camo in your picture. Generally, I am impressed by anyone who makes their own 'stuff', so to speak. Not to bring ham radio up yet again, but fabricating one's equipment is an age old tradition amongst amateurs that harkons back to a time when items had to be made or one did without, mostly because no one was manufacturing the parts necessary to build transmitters and receivers. That tends to breed the same resourcefulness that I am seeing here amongst many of my fellow list members. I find it very cool that so many on this list are kiltmakers, paid or otherwise.

Right now my wife is in the other room, messing about with the sewing machine. Once she gets a better handle on the basics, I'll see if I cannot get her going on something with pleats. Maybe I should see about getting her a kilt kit of some sort to get her confidence up.

Mychael

[bubba]

Right now my wife is in the other room, messing about with the sewing machine. Once she gets a better handle on the basics, I'll see if I cannot get her going on something with pleats. Maybe I should see about getting her a kilt kit of some sort to get her confidence up.

Mychael

Mychael, if she's just learning I recommend the Readers Digest Complete Book of Sewing as a reference. She might also look into finding a basic sewing class. A class helped get me going properly and I use my copy of the Readers Digest book often as a reference. I really haven't been sewing that long, about a year, so I still need to look things up from time to time. As for a kit, instead get the Folkwear Scottish pattern set. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow step by step.

[richardljohnson]

Thanks for the info Bubba. I figured I was close on time but just thought I'd check.

Mychael, the first 4 I made were pretty bad. They were all trial runs. Each one is a learning experience. Also, don't rush! Another point is Walmart has the cheap fabric and they make a good pattern run. Take notes on each one and view it with a very critical eye. Build on each. I think the last one I made only has 1 thing I would have changed and it was number 14. It is what I considered the best of the bunch. But, I love each and enjoy then all.

Also check the Library for info on pleats and sewing. I actually found a good book on stage costumes which gave some helpful information.

RLJ-

[GMan]

Bubba, Richard, Mychael,

It is amazing the talent that is on this board, with guys making kilts and wives making kilts it tells me that I had better hurry up and find time to learn how to sew so I could make my own, which has been a goal of mine since kilt wearing has become an avocation. Bubba I want to thank you for all the information that you have passed on, it will be used, it is great!

Thank you

[Mychael Sporrano]

Bubba, I just checked and saw she does have a copy of the Readers Digest Complete Book of Sewing. As for the patterns that you mentioned, I am presently checking out that site. Lots of good stuff there! I am also looking for a Jacobite shirt but don't see one under that name. Is there another name for that puffy highlander shirt?

Mychael

[bubba]

Mychael, you can find a similar shirt in some of the pattern catalogs, like Simplicity or McCalls, but they need a little modification. To me the sleeves and lacing look too costumey so I found a regular pullover shirt pattern widened the sleeves just a bit and skipped the cuffs. I made it out of muslin I got for $1 a yard. The pattern I used is Kwik-Sew number 3250, View A. It's close enough to be easily altered. Kwik-Sew prints patterns on heavy stock so I trace them. That way I still have the original pattern undamaged for later use.

[wolfgang]

...
My wife has recently taken up sewing and I would LOVE to get her involved in making our kilts. Honestly, I would consider learning this myself but don't want to step on her toes. She has felt the need for some time for a good constructive hobby. Anyway, I could search for a good site for instructions, but can you recommend one that looks particularly well thought out, Bubba?

I do not speak on behalf of Bubba, when I recommend "Techniques for Casual Clothes" from Threads, as mentioned in http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=291

My first attempt was not successful, but not because of the description in the magazine.

[Daneel]

What a fantastic thread. You guys are just amazing. I really must agree with the "Kilting is a tremenous confidence builder, isn't it!!". Its the old axiom If you creep about in a kilt you look silly if you stride about you look confident and then become confident. Look how kilt wearing has spilled over into the rest of our lives. Lets be honest there can't be many forums around that give men the confidence, the place and respect, to discuss sewing, pattern catalogs and how to keep your pleats looking good I proud to wear a kilt and I can make curtains.

[Xcop]

I've taken ubbas advice and am on part tow of a basic sewing course. Making my own kilt is the ultimate goal.. I still relate many of the things that I am learning in sewing to carpentry or other skills that I have acquired over the years.